Number Viewing

[Texasmark]

Every time I pass the OMC and Merc forums I notice that OMC has twice the viewers as does Merc. Does that mean that there are twice as many OMC engines out there or there are twice as many problems with what's out there?

Just curious. I was an OMC guy back through the mid '70's. Had good service out of the badge. Had Merc ever since and had good service out of that badge too.

Mark

 

[JB]

Re: Number Viewing

That means that there are twice as many OMC outboards in service and being maintained by the owners, Mark.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Number Viewing

Mostly older OMC motors, as I believe their popularity dropped off in the early 2000s, when they went bankruptcy and BRP bought them.

 

[82rude]

Re: Number Viewing

last numbers I seen was for 2000 and omc sold 100,000 units.apparently that was a full 1/3 of all outboards sold.

 

[limitout]

Re: Number Viewing

its more of a popularity of the motor rather then having problems with it.

I have to say its rare to see anything about old mercury motors being restored or rebuilt but I wouldn't speculate as to the cause of why that is

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Number Viewing

Well thanks guys for your opinions.

Mark

 

[bilge rat jim]

Re: Number Viewing

I've wondered about the numbers myself, from time to time, and as a steadfast Mercury Marine supporter, I always thought it was because OMCs break down 4 times as much as Mercs, lol. Seriously, I doubt if the viewing numbers relate to reliability, or even market share. One thing is certain- no matter what brand of outboard you have, or what your query is, this forum is the most informative and helpful of all the ones I have participated in, and thanks to the senior ranks for making it so. This is truly a place where even the most experienced wrenchers can learn, as well as teach.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Number Viewing

OMC owners have time to mess around with forums for minor tweaks; merc owners are too busy trying to get theirs to run, or finding parts, to get on the computer.

If you want to get there fast, get a Merc; if you want to get home, get an OMC.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Number Viewing

OMC owners have time to mess around with forums for minor tweaks; merc owners are too busy trying to get theirs to run, or finding parts, to get on the computer.

If you want to get there fast, get a Merc; if you want to get home, get an OMC.

Scuse me sir? Speak for yourself. Never had a Merc leave me stranded and yes every one I have and had love to run. Only engine that left me stranded was a 1972 Johnson 125 on an 18' Caravelle out in the middle of Lake Tawakoni in N. TX.

HOWEVER: The problem was not with the engine. I had an 18 gallon BI fuel tank and put some moisture absorber additive in the tank. Apparently it worked and made a blob of goo to contain the water. The blob of goo made it's way up the fuel line to the bulb and promptly shut me down in the middle of a 1-2 mile wide lake with wind blowing 20+ mph. I was able to islolate the problem, get the line opened, get the goo out and get underway before I was swamped from the stern by the high waves.

Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Number Viewing

I think OMC repair is a parts availability thing and easy to work on,especially up to 40 hp.
Routine parts are readily available at many vendors back to the late 1940s early 50s.. Even here at Iboats.
We used to say you could work on the OMC motors with a pair a pliers and a screwdriver.
The basic design even up into the 1980s is somewhat primitive yet effective and lends itself to
Rube Goldberg repair.There are so many out there that more obscure parts can be easily found used.